General Quarters

 Greetings to you all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,

     John 4:35 says, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”

     Being in the U. S. Navy,  I did spend four months on a naval destroyer on an exercise around South America.  Every sailor had a position to occupy during “General Quarters.”  All hands were to be in that position when the alarm sounded.  At that time, I was a saxophone player in the band and we did most of our work when we went ashore.  At General Quarters,  my only skill was “passing the ammunition” for a forty millimeter anti-aircraft gun.  Several of us were needed to get the shells as they were passed from the compartments below to the gun mount.  Fortunately, we never were in a firing position but close to one as the ship later went into blockade duty around Cuba.

     There are some things in life where “all hands are needed.”  One of the most important one is the proclamation of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection for all of mankind.  The above passage reminds us that the world is the “field” that is ripe for harvest and the time is now and should not be delayed.    It was true during the time when Jesus Walked upon the earth and it is equally true now.  Souls are coming and going constantly.  Even as you read this short devotion, hundreds of people die and most of them are leaving this life without the hope of eternal salvation.  Many hear the message and openly refuse it but a few do accept the call that God gives.  King Agrippa wanted a more convenient time to decide.  The Philippian Jailor responded to the message and was saved as well as those in his household as also the Ethiopian Eunuch became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.  A farmer can tell when the fields are ready to harvest and he doesn’t delay as some calamity such as the weather may come and ruin the grain.  The fields of souls is ready in every generation and the gospel message needs to be proclaimed as Satan, the enemy does not take a day off.  Just listen to the news each day and you can see how the calamities are taking place and humanity is pursuing after false gods and trying to find peace in their own way of salvation.  The Lord Jesus Christ however, made the statement, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No man comes to the fAther except through Me.”  There is no other way.  All roads do not lead to heaven.  Only one road will get you there, and it is through Christ alone.  The call has gone out, “General Quarters.”  “All hands on deck.”  Praise God that He has given us another day to work for Him.